Swiss G9X selects the first 5 funds to be presented to UHNW families

Swiss G9X hedge platform has selected the first five fund start ups that will be presented to the private network of ultra high net worth (UHNW) families which support the platform.

The platform was launched in April and according to Stephen Fern, chairman of the G9 UHNW network which set up G9X, wealthy families have so far allocated over $500m to provide seed capital to emerging managers identified by industry experts.

Fern (pictured) established G9 in 2008 as a resource for the family offices which make up its membership globally. The launch of the G9X platform was a result of members expressing frustration at the difficulty identifying and accessing early stage managers set to launch new funds.

“The platform does not provide any form of recommendation, but in order to pass through the vetting process, there are a number of characteristics that need to be in place,” said Fern.

He added: “We have leading hedge fund industry expertise to ensure the quality of the propositions being presented. We have not had to go out to build a network of investors, but brought together those within the G9 who are excited by this opportunity. The forum allows them to screen the early stage managers in a private and secure environment, well before the funds hit the public radar screen. That is something of huge value to our families.”

The platform’s lead advisor is Global Prime Partners, headed by Kevin LoPrimo.

“We have created a short list of five managers for the pilot of the platform so that we can focus on the mechanism and format for placing the managers in front of the G9X Hedge families, but we expect to increase the flow of new funds seeking seed capital and entrepreneurial investment over the coming months,” LoPrimo said.